motion plastics® are polymer bearing technology, energy chains and fail-safe cables from igus® which, thanks to their outstanding qualities, help you to master the challenges you face. In the igus® test laboratory, the largest in the industry, these qualities have been tested and verified, and have also proven themselves in practice.

Verkehrs-Aktiengesellschaft Nürnberg (VAG) is already profiting from the use of motion plastics® and igus® cables in the entrance systems of its trams. VAG system technician Robert Meier: "The developments and requirements are increasingly moving in the direction of the intelligent door. For this purpose, there are cables for the optical door closing signal, for the sensors that detect trapping and for the door switches. "Each door of VAG railways has tocope with around 70,000 opening and closing cycles per year.

Large, easy-to-install bolts in the E2 micro e-chain® used make it very stable while smooth contours reduce wear and tear on the cables. This is particularly important in the VAG's case, where very thin energy chains led to cable and chain damage in the past. In addition, CFSPECIAL.414 cables that were specially developed for railway vehicles are used. They increase the maintenance intervals to up to 16 years, as can be verified in tests, and have a halogen-free, flame-retardant jacket material.

e-chain® with chainflex® cable in the VAG door system

igus® products being used successfully in the rail industry

Heat-resistant, corrosion-free plain bearings for brakes

iglidur® plain bearings are built into train and tram brakes as they enable trouble-free operation where impacts and dirt occur and do not corrode. Use at very low or high temperatures between -100 °C and 250 °C are made possible by special materials that have been developed for extreme temperatures.

Fail-safe entrance systems with a long service life

chainflex® cables, dryspin® lead screw technology and energy supply systems are used to make entrance systems maintenance-free and, above all, long-lasting. Defective doors can constitute a hazard to passengers in emergency situations and, in everyday life, are hindrance to speedy passenger boarding and alighting.

Wear-resistant controls in the driver's cab

The properties of motion plastics® are also advantageous in the controls used to operate trains and trams. drylin® linear guides are fitted in brake handles or in sunshades, for example. Bearing points in control panels, for example, are fitted out with iglidur® G plain bearings for a high level of wear resistance. Adjustable floor pedestals have been fitted with dryspin® lead screws and enable easy adjustment.

Weather-resistant plain bearings for the railway network

In shunting switches, iglidur® plain bearings are used to mount the rollers in the roller switching system. The use of plain bearings made of high-performance polymers has several advantages. The plain bearings do not corrode and they protect the shaft against wear. Since the iglidur® plain bearings are temperature resistant, they can withstand even extreme weather conditions. igus® plain bearings demonstrate these advantages in wheel tensioners and signals as well.

Robust cable guidance in maintenance halls

In maintenance halls and workshops, energy supply systems from igus® are used in order to guide cables safely and increase their service life. The guidance of cables in e-chains® prevents corkscrews and minimises failures and maintenance work. Cables can be fitted or replaced easily and quickly.

Reliable and lubrication-free coupling

Railway couplers profit from the high reliability of iglidur® plain bearings and thrust washers. In Scharfenberg couplers, for example, they are used at the main pin so that the hooked plate can turn during coupling. The plain bearings do not need any additional lubrication and are therefore maintenance-free.

Maintenance-free and clean in the passenger area

iglidur® plain bearings and drylin® linear technology ensure clean adjustment, low coefficients of friction and low-noise movements without the need for any additional lubrication. This is due to the incorporated dry lubricants, which are embedded in the igus® materials. If the components have to be in line with DIN 45545, iglidur® RW370 can be used.

Where are igus® products used in the rail industry?

Reliable, maintenance-free operation are critical when used under high cycle rates and changing weather conditions. motion plastics® from igus® are absolutely maintenance-free as they do not require any lubricants. They are fail-safe, free of toxic substances and have been tested in accordance with corresponding standards for rail systems. igus® offers the widest range of cables for motion, all tested in the largest laboratory in the industry and with a guarantee of 36 months.

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igus® solutions for the driver's cab and the passenger area

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